MESOSCOPIC NANOSCIENCE
PHY4MES
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Topics beyond the concepts traditionally taught in condensed matter physics are considered, in particular, modern electronic systems that have arisen primarily through an ability to construct devices on nanometer length-scales and in reduced dimensions. The course examines semiconductor materials and doping, bandstructure engineering, quantum confinement and electronic transport in wells, wires and dots, quantized conductance and the quantum Hall effect. The electronic properties of emerging carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, diamond and graphene, and of metallic systems engineered on the atomic scale via molecular manipulation are examined. Much of the material taught underlies emerging quantum technologies, with application to metrology, sensor development and quantum information.
School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: David Hoxley
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must be admitted into one of the following courses: SHS, SZHSMN, SZHSN, SMNT or PSMSC
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductors | Prescribed | Davies, John H., 1998 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Analyse critically, evaluate and transform information to complete a range of practical and analytical activities related to the area of mesoscopic condensed matter.
- Activities:
- Problem solving techniques are modelled and partial solutions to selected problems derived in lectures. Students will solve complex problems in mesoscopic condensed matter and answer short essay questions.
02. Analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems related to mesoscopic condensed matter.
- Activities:
- Problem solving techniques are modelled in lectures. Students will solve complex problems in mesoscopic condensed matter and answer short essay questions. Students will work in small groups to complete computational lab activities.
03. Communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to others in the area of mesoscopic condensed matter.
- Activities:
- Students conduct an oral defense of one of their assignments.
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: David Hoxley
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
Twelve 3.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"The equivalent of 36 hours of laboratory/workshops or similar per semester."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1-hour mid-semester exam (1000 word equiv) | 25 | 01, 02 | |
| Three 500-word individual laboratory reports (1500 word equiv. in total) | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| Four 250-word problem solving activities (1000 word equiv. in total) | Solutions to short essay questions including mathematical and computational analysis. | 15 | 01, 02, 03 |
| One 2-hour end of semester exam (2000 word equiv) | 40 | 01, 02 |